Dendrimer-based networks containing lyophilic organosilicon and hydrophilic polyamidoamine nanoscopic domains

摘要

Dendrimer-based networks are prepared from copolydendrimer precursors having well defined hydrophilic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) or polypropyleneimine (PPI) interiors, and organosilicon outer layers ending with .tbd.Si--OCH.sub.3 surface groups. These networks have precisely controllable size, shape, and spatial distribution, of nanoscopic hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. Such constructs are prepared by crosslinking one type of copolydendrimer precursor, or by crosslinking mixtures of different copolydendrimers having different generations of PAMAM or PPI dendrimers in the interior, surrounded by different organosilicon exteriors. Crosslinking can be controlled by adding difunctional, trifunctional, or polyfunctional low molecular weight or oligomeric crosslinking agents; or by exposing a copolydendrimer having hydrolyzable surface groups to atmospheric moisture. Elastomeric dendrimer-based networks have low glass temperatures of -15° C. or below, are optically clear, transparent, colorless; and have a non-stick surface which can be formed into films of small thickness.